Shekar P, from the Soliga tribe from the Biligiri Rangana (BR) Hills in southern Karnataka, is concerned about his friends, most of whom are alcoholics.
Shekar wants them to break free of their addictions. The only way he knows is through running and volleyball — activities he fell in love with as a college student.
With the killing of Veerappan in 2004, security personnel were withdrawn from the region, which opened up tribal hamlets to hooch traders and tourists.
People engaged in the illegal liquor business began reaching villages in the deep woods, and selling to hooch outlets or even directly at the homes of many tribespeople.
In addition to growing alcoholism, the study says addiction to locally sourced “ganja” or cannabis has pushed up mental health issues among the Soligas.